Parents at Bay Area high schools, including Mt. Tam and Los Gatos High Schools, have been learning a system of behaviors that are scientifically recognized as being fundamental to academic and life success. Through concrete, practical techniques and tools, Rick and Greg have been teaching a 9-step roadmap to effectively navigate through the difficult choices required for effective parenting, including: how to adopt "intentional communication" to deliver difficult or unpopular messages; how to identify "parenting defenses" and determine how these defenses sabotage success as a mother or father; converting fears and stresses about their children into opportunities and new actions; using appreciation and truth in ways that motivate; building relationships with their children that increases the opportunity for the child to to feel valued, worthwhile, and respected, as well as teaches the child accountability rather than victimhood.